The Box

Watch The Box

  • TV-MA
  • 2007
  • 1 hr 27 min
  • 4.6  (504)

In the 2007 thriller film The Box, director Richard Kelly takes viewers on a suspenseful and thought-provoking ride through the moral dilemma faced by a young couple offered a hefty sum by a mysterious stranger. Based on the short story "Button, Button" by Richard Matheson, the film stars Cameron Diaz and James Marsden as married couple Norma and Arthur Lewis, who live a simple life in Virginia in the 1970s.

One day, the Lewises receive a strange wooden box on their doorstep with a glass dome on top, along with a note that reads "Mr. Steward will call upon you at 5 p.m." That evening, a well-dressed man named Arlington Steward (Frank Langella) appears at their doorstep, revealing that the box contains a button that, if pushed, will result in the deaths of someone they do not know but in return, they will receive one million dollars.

Despite the seemingly simple and ethical dilemma presented by Steward, the situation becomes more complicated as the couple tries to decide whether or not to push the button. Norma, desperate for money to pay for their son's tuition at a school for the deaf, is more inclined to take the offer, but Arthur is hesitant and refuses to make such a consequential decision without more information.

As they ponder the offer, strange events start occurring around them, such as strange nosebleeds and the sudden appearance of mysterious figures. The couple's doubts and fears about the situation are heightened by the strange supernatural occurrences and the looming threat of consequences, which add to the suspense of the film.

The strong performances from the cast add depth to the characters and their motivations, as well as building tension through their mounting paranoia and suspicion. Diaz delivers a strong performance as Norma, struggling with the moral dilemma of sacrificing the life of a stranger for her family's financial security. Marsden's portrayal of Arthur creates a solid counterpoint to Diaz's character, providing the voice of reason and skepticism in the face of the surreal and dangerous events happening around them.

The cinematography and sound design create a haunting atmosphere that further amplifies the tension and eeriness of the story. The film's setting of the 1970s is also well-depicted, providing a sense of nostalgia and innocence before the darker events that ensue. The thought-provoking plot and themes encourage viewers to consider their own moral code, and it ultimately asks more questions than it answers.

The Box is a thrilling and unsettling film that poses an ethical dilemma that is both simple and complex, and will leave viewers pondering the decision for days afterward. The performances, atmosphere, and plot twists make this a must-watch for fans of psychological horror and moral ambiguity.

The Box
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Description
  • Release Date
    2007
  • MPAA Rating
    TV-MA
  • Runtime
    1 hr 27 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    4.6  (504)
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